RESIDENTS are refusing to drop their guard over the new police custody suite at Manor Park, and have vowed to fight on by hiring a legal expert.

Members of the Save Our Sandy-moor Action Group in Runcorn have raised more than £1,000 to recruit a barrister in round two of an ongoing battle against police proposals.

And it is estimated the group will need to raise more than £10,000 if the Manchester-based lawyer decides to take on Cheshire Constabulary and fight the residents' corner at a full judicial review.

Residents first lashed out during a titanic battle at Runcorn Town Hall in October when they learned Cheshire Constabulary was determined to build the 33-cell holding unit just yards away from their homes at Manor Park.

The custody suite was narrowly passed at a council planning meeting last month, reigniting fears the safety of their children will be put at risk once suspects are released back into the community.

Chris Riley, spokesman for the Save Our Sandymoor Action Group, told how residents are determined to fight on, despite a failed attempt to take the matter forward to a public inquiry.

Their last ditch attempt comes in spite of a decision by the Government Office for the North West not to call the matter in for appeal, on council planning grounds.

He said: 'We're doing everything we can to take this to a judicial review, despite our failed appeal to the Secretary of State to call in the planning application.

'This is an issue for the safety and future of our children.

'If it does go ahead, everybody's going to have to stop their children's freedom.

'I've got an 11-year-old son and I won't let him walk on his own any more once this custody suite has been built.

'His aunty lives just yards away and he used to cycle there, but I won't let him do that any more, it's not safe.

'We're using this as our last chance and will fight to the bitter end. We're hoping to gain financial support from businesses objecting against the plans, but we've also had the help of MP Mike Hall backing our case.

'We're also intending to carry on if the custody suite is built. There has been talk of linking hands across the field when they start the building work. And we may try to block the entrances and exits of the subway where the suspects would walk down to reach the bus stop.

'Everybody is still terribly concerned about the transporting of suspects home, especially now that Halton police may link up with Merseyside.

'The legal transport agreement signed by Cheshire police will probably be ripped apart.'

Residents will hear in a fort-night's time whether their legal bid has been a success - but they won't have to pay a penny if any of the objectors receive income support.

The police custody suite is already said to be affecting scores of residents, with some deciding to sell up and quit the area.

Police are now in the final stages of selecting a single bidder for the custody suite, and plans will be finalised and unveiled to the public within the next fortnight.

Officers have also promised to consult with businesses and residents once plans are released.

PM Tony Blair has been made aware of the custody suite dispute, after 11-year-old Liam Riley wrote a heart-felt letter of appeal.

The letter was hand-delivered by Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall, and received with promises to forward the matter on for Home Office investigation.